2026 will see “SNL” alum Pete Davidson in two films: David Michôd‘s long-gestating stoner comedy “Wizards!“ over at A24, and David Leitch‘s “How To Rob A Bank.” But Deadline reports that another project has emerged for Davidson, a “dream job” according to the comedian, that’s been three years in the making.
READ MORE: Nicholas Hoult & Pete Davidson To Star In David Leitch’s ‘How To Rob A Bank’ Thriller
Davidson will star as infamous mafia killer Tommy Pitera in “Tommy Karate,” from a script the multi-hyphenate pens with director Justin Chon and Joseph Gay. Based on Philip Carlo‘s true crime book “The Butcher: Anatomy Of A Mafia Psychopath,” the film will follow the pursuit and capture of America’s most ruthless mobsters and serial killers. Paul Walter Hauser will co-star opposite Davidson as DEA Agent Jim Hunt; Hunt was also involved with another notorious case, the apprehension of drug lord El Chapo.
Other cast announced today for the project include Camila Mendes and Simon Rex. North.Five.Six, Two & Two Pictures and Grammercy Park Media will produce the pic, with plans for Chon to start shooting the film in June.
But Pete Davidson, lanky comedian with a snide signature style, playing a psychopathic mobster? Maybe he’s got the role in him, maybe not. In any case, Davidson will portray Pitera, a Bonanno crime family member suspected by law enforcement of as many as 60 murders. The “Tommy Karate” nickname comes from Pitera’s childhood interest in martial arts, a name that stuck when the DEA first started investigating his criminal exploits. It’s also worth mentioning that Pitera is still alive, serving a life sentence after his arrest in 1992 for murder and operating a drug operation.
Here’s Pete Davidson’s press statement for “Tommy Karate”: “”Tommy Karate” is the greatest mob story never told. I’ve been working on this for over three years, and I’m beyond thrilled that it’s finally in motion. Playing a role like this is a dream job. We have a great team behind this one, and I can’t wait for people to see what we’ve come up with.”
Obviously, “Tommy Karate” will be Davidson’s most serious role to date, but he’s had plenty of onscreen roles over the past decade. Recent film roles for him include “The Pick Up,” “Riff Raff,” “Dumb Money,” and “Fast X,” among others. “Bupkis,” a Peacock streaming series Davidson created and co-starred in with Joe Pesci, only lasted a single season.
Meanwhile, actor-turned-director Chon is best known for his 2021 film “Blue Bayou” and his work on the two Apple TV+ series, “Pachinko” and “Chief Of War.”
Paul Walter Hauser is in the middle of the hottest streak of his career, with “The Fantastic Four,” “The Naked Gun,” and “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” last year. DEA Agent Jim Hunt will be a meaty role for him. Other upcoming projects for Hauser include Zach Cregger‘s “Resident Evil” film, the comedy “Balls Up,” and Netflix‘s “Scooby-Doo” live-action reboot.
Ex-“Riverdale” star Mendes has both “Masters Of The Universe” and “Baton” on the way this year. She’s currently filming Guy Ritchie‘s “Viva La Madness.”
Rex’s performance in Sean Baker‘s 2021 film “Red Rocket” revitalized his acting career. Since then, he’s had sixteen movie roles, with “The Prince” and “The Leader” coming next.
Expect “Tommy Karate” to reach audiences sometime in 2027.
